DANFORTH MENNONITE CHURCH
416-422-2406
Pastor Stephen Reist

We welcome all guests who have joined us.

Danforth Mennonite Church
December 31, 2023
Order of Service

Land Acknowledgement

Welcome

Call to Worship

Hymn VT #95 “Praise the Lord, Sing Hallelujah”

Announcements

Offering

Offering Prayer

Hymn VT #715 “Longing for Light”

Congregational Prayer

Scripture Luke 2: 22-40

Hymn VT #213 “Poor of the Earth”

Message:  How will we know?

Hymn of Response VT #240 “Joy to the World”

Benediction/Candle Lighting

Leading Us in Worship
Message                             Carol O.
Worship Leader             Linda D.
Song Leader                     Kathy W.
Musicians                          Jessica M. (piano), Ray W. (tuba)
Greeters                             Dalton & Carol J.
Zoom Host                        Bonnie W.
A/V Technician               Mike D.

There will not be an Adult Discussion Group this Sunday morning

Call to Worship

Leader: Simeon took Jesus in his arms and praised God, saying, “Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace; for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.”

Women: At that moment, Anna, a widow who worshiped at the temple with fasting and prayer night and day,

Men: began to praise God and to speak about the child to everyone who was looking for the redemption of Jerusalem.

Leader: The child’s father and mother were amazed at what was being said about him.

People: Our long wait is finally over!

(pause)

All: Together we rejoice.

Scripture Reading
Luke 2:22-40

Jesus Is Presented in the Temple
²² When the time came for their purification according to the law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord ²³ (as it is written in the law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male shall be designated as holy to the Lord”), ²⁴ and they offered a sacrifice according to what is stated in the law of the Lord, “a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.”

²⁵ Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; this man was righteous and devout, looking forward to the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit rested on him. ²⁶ It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah.  ²⁷ Guided by the Spirit, Simeon came into the temple, and when the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what was customary under the law, ²⁸ Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying,

²⁹ “Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace, according to your word, ³⁰ for my eyes have seen your salvation, ³¹ which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, ³² a light for revelation to the gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.”

³³ And the child’s father and mother were amazed at what was being said about him. ³⁴ Then Simeon blessed them and said to his mother Mary, “This child is destined for the falling and the rising of many in Israel and to be a sign that will be opposed ³⁵ so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed—and a sword will pierce your own soul, too.”

³⁶ There was also a prophet, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, having lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, ³⁷ then as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped there with fasting and prayer night and day. ³⁸ At that moment she came and began to praise God and to speak about the child^[d] to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem.

The Return to Nazareth
³⁹ When they had finished everything required by the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. ⁴⁰ The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom, and the favor of God was upon him.

Candle lighting/benediction

Leader:                   Together we rejoice!

All:                            Our waiting is over!

Leader:                   We’ve seen the One, the light to all peoples, who grew in strength and is filled with wisdom. The favor of God is upon him! Go! Rejoice! God is here!

DANFORTH ANNOUNCEMENTS

Congregational Survey: Inclusion of 2SLGBTQ+ at

Danforth Mennonite Church

The survey is now available in your church mail slot and was also emailed to you.  Please complete the survey at your earliest convenience and either reply by email or place it in the box in the foyer no later than January 7^th.  If you have questions, please contact Pastor Stephen.

Ladies Walking group
starts up on January 16^th.

DMC

Annual Business Meeting
Sunday, February 4, 2024
 
Committee chairs:  Please submit your reports to Bonnie by January 17^th.

Everyone is welcome to attend the Annual Business Meeting and participate in the discussion.  You are welcome to vote if you have been participating at DMC, and plan to continue doing so in the future.

Worship Schedule reminder

 January 7
Speaker                  Carol O.
Worship leader  Cindy R.
Song Leader         Kathy W.
Musicians              Roger H. (piano), Ray W. (tuba)
Greeters                Fazal & Leslie S.
ZOOM host          Bonnie W.
A/V Tech                Don B.

January 14
Speaker                  Stephen R.
Worship leader  Mike D.
Song Leader         Ed F.
Musicians              Kathy W. (piano), Ray W. (tuba)
Greeters                Fazal & Leslie S.
ZOOM host         Carol R.
A/V Tech               Roger H.

In summary, upcoming events

At Danforth

January
7   2SLGBTQ+ survey deadline
12  2SLGBTQ+ survey results
14  2SLGBTQ+ Congregational meeting
16  Ladies walking group
17  AGM package reports due to Admin. Asst.

February
4  DMC AGM

DANFORTH MENNONITE CHURCH
416-422-2406
Pastor Stephen Reist

 We welcome all guests who have joined us.

Danforth Mennonite Church
December 24, 2023
Order of Service

Welcome

Call to Worship:  Lighting the Advent Wreath

Opening hymn:  VT #216 Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming

Announcements

Scripture:  Christmas tableaux

Introduction

Hymn: VT #210 O Come, O Come Emmanuel vs 1, 4, 7

Reading 1

Hymn:  VT #267 What Child is This?

Reading 2

Hymn:  VT #247 Hark the Herald Angels Sing

Reading 3

Song: VT #249 Angels we have heard on high  vs 1, 2, 3

Reading 4

Hymn:  VT #257 Away in a Manger (children sing verse 1)

Choir:  Still, Still, Still

Message: God is with us

Congregational Prayer

Closing hymn: VT #244 Silent Night

Benediction

Leading Us in Worship
Message                             Stephen R.
Worship Leader             Sue S.
Song Leader                     Sue S.
Musicians                          Kathy W. (piano), Ray W. (tuba)
Greeters                             Dalton & Carol J.
Zoom Host                        Bonnie W.
A/V Technician               Fazal S.

December hymn of the month:  VT #216  Lo How a Rose E’er Blooming

Adult Discussion Group

Sunday mornings 10:00 a.m.
Dec. 24  The Virgin Birth

Call to Worship
Lighting the Advent Wreath

Leader:  Advent, the season of preparing, is nearly over.  Our waiting is nearly finished.  Now is a time of fulfillment and celebration.

People:  In the darkness of night, we give thanks for light.

Leader:  We light a candle of hope: hope for ourselves, and for God’s beloved world.

People: We light a candle of peace: peace in our hearts, and on earth.

Leader: We light a candle of joy: joy to the world, and within our whole being.

People: We light a candle of love: the promise of God’s love for us, and for all creation.

Leader:  And now the hour has come and the season is fulfilled.

People:  We light the Christ candle, the light of the world, the light of possibility. Amen.

DANFORTH ANNOUNCEMENTS

Congregational Survey: Inclusion of 2SLGBTQ+ at Danforth Mennonite Church

The survey is now available in your church mail slot and was also emailed to you.  Please complete the survey at your earliest convenience and either reply by email or place it in the box in the foyer no later than January 7^th.  If you have questions, please contact Pastor Stephen.

Ladies Walking group
starts up on January 16^th.

Thank you for your generosity.

Along with the  mitts and gloves, we received lots of hats and scarves.

DMC
Annual Business Meeting
Sunday, February 4, 2024

Committee chairs:  Please submit your reports to Bonnie by January 17^th.

Everyone is welcome to attend the Annual Business Meeting and participate in the discussion.  You are welcome to vote if you have been participating at DMC, and plan to continue doing so in the future.

Worship Schedule reminder

 December 31
Speaker                  Carol O.
Worship leader  Linda D.
Song Leader         Kathy W.
Musicians              Jessica M. (piano), Ray W. (tuba)
Greeters                Dalton & Carol J.
ZOOM host          Bonnie W.
A/V Tech                Mike D.

January 7
Speaker                    Carol O.
Worship leader    Cindy R.
Song Leader           Kathy W.
Musicians                Roger H. (piano), Ray W. (tuba)
Greeters                  Fazal & Leslie S.
ZOOM host           Bonnie W.
A/V Tech                  Don B.

In summary, upcoming events

At Danforth

January
7    2SLGBTQ+ survey deadline
12  2SLGBTQ+ survey results
14  2SLGBTQ+ Congregational meeting
16  Ladies walking group
17  AGM package reports due to Admin. Asst.

February
4  DMC AGM

DANFORTH MENNONITE CHURCH
416-422-2406
Pastor Stephen Reist

We welcome all guests who have joined us.

Danforth Mennonite Church
December 17, 2023
Order of Service

Land Acknowledgement

Welcome

Call to Worship

Hymn VT #218 ” Come thou long expected Jesus”

Announcements

Offering

Offering prayer

Hymn VT #216 “Lo, How a rose e’er blooming”

Congregational prayer

Scripture Isaiah 61:1-4, 10-11,  I Thess. 5: 16-24

Hymn VT #217 “Hark the Glad Sound”

Message:  Joy in the journey

Closing Hymn:   When I hear the praises start

Benediction/Advent Candle

Leading Us in Worship

Message                            Margaret A.
Worship Leader            Linda D.
Song Leader                    Sue S.
Musicians                         Jessica M. (piano), Ray W. (tuba)
Greeters                           Cindy R., Bethany W.
Zoom Host                      Bonnie W.
A/V Technician             Murray L.

December Hymn of the month:  VT #216  Lo How a Rose E’er Blooming

Adult Discussion Group
Sunday mornings 10:00 a.m.

Dec. 17  Discussion – Visions of Jesus led by Ed
Dec. 24  The Virgin Birth

Call to worship

Leader: My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior!

People: For the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is God’s name.

Leader: God has brought down the powerful and lifted up the lowly.

People: What will God do next?

(pause)

All: Together we wait.

Advent candle lighting/benediction

Leader: Together we wait.

Congregation: How will we know what’s next?

Leader: Go and hold fast to what is good, rejoice always, make straight the way of the Lord!

Scripture reading

Isaiah 61:1-4, 10-11 (NIVUK)

The year of the Lord’s favour
61 The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor.  He has sent me to bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners,
² to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn,
³and provide for those who grieve in Zion – to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.  They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendour.
⁴ They will rebuild the ancient ruins and restore the places long devastated; they will renew the ruined cities that have been devastated for generations.
¹⁰ I delight greatly in the Lord; my soul rejoices in my God.  For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of his righteousness, as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.
¹¹ For as the soil makes the young plant come up and a garden causes seeds to grow, so the Sovereign Lord will make righteousness and praise spring up before all nations.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-24 (NIVUK)
¹⁶ Rejoice always, ¹⁷ pray continually, ¹⁸ give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

¹⁹ Do not quench the Spirit. ²⁰ Do not treat prophecies with contempt ²¹ but test them all; hold on to what is good, ²² reject every kind of evil.

²³ May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. ²⁴ The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.

A prayer for the third week of Advent

Heavenly Father, This third week of Advent, let us remember that the good news of Jesus’ birth brings us great joy this Christmas season. Our joy isn’t dependent on what is going on in our lives, in our world, or the people that we are with. It doesn’t depend on the gifts we give or the gifts we find under the tree. No earthly thing can ever give us complete joy. Our joy comes from you. That joy that flooded the hearts of the shepherds, the angels, the wise men, the hosts of heaven, and Mary and Joseph is the joy that still has the power to overwhelm our hearts with rejoicing.

Our joy doesn’t come from our jobs, our family, our relationships, our finances, or our success. Our joy doesn’t come from what we have on earth or who we are with. Our joy is a gift. It is the gift that you gave us that first Christmas in Jesus Christ. Our joy is encompassed in our Savior, King Jesus. Flood our hearts with joy this Advent season as we reflect on the good news of Jesus’ birth. In Jesus’ precious name, we pray. Amen

DANFORTH ANNOUNCEMENTS

Treasurer’s Report: In November we received $10,205 in offerings. This strong offering support along with our rental income has helped to eliminate our operating deficit and we now have a surplus of $378. Some additional expenses are expected in December, but with your help we hope to finish the year without a deficit.

Our Food Bank Designated Fund is always open and ongoing, and it received a $700 donation in November. These donations will be passed on to the Neighbourhood Group in support of the 40 Teesdale Food Bank. You can also contribute to the Nourish East End Food Bank through our Christmas Giving Tree project.  Please designate cash donations “Christmas Giving Tree” if you would like your donation directed to this project.
Thanks Roger

Longest Night Service
Wednesday, December 20, 7-8 pm

At Danforth Mennonite Church and on Zoom

All are welcome to this service on the longest night of the year.  Friends, this service is for you.  Bring your grief.  Bring your weariness.  Bring your fatigue and allow yourself a quiet space to reflect and draw near to God.

Congregational Survey: Inclusion of 2SLGBTQ+ at Danforth Mennonite Church

The survey is now available in your church mail slot and was also emailed to you.  Please complete the survey at your earliest convenience and either reply by email or place it in the box in the foyer no later than January 7^th.  If you have questions, please contact Pastor Stephen.

Worship Schedule reminder

December 24
Speaker                    Stephen R.
Worship leader   Sue S.
Song Leader          Sue S.
Musicians               Kathy W. (piano), Ray W. (tuba)
Greeters                 Dalton & Carol J.
ZOOM host           Bonnie W.
A/V Tech                 Fazal S.

December 31
Speaker                     Carol O.
Worship leader    Linda D.
Song Leader           Kathy W.
Musicians               Roger H. (piano), Ray W. (tuba)
Greeters                 Dalton & Carol J.
ZOOM host           Bonnie W.
A/V Tech                 Mike D.

 WIDER CHURCH ANNOUNCEMENTS

Mennonite Days of Action

When we watch the news updates from Gaza it can feel quite overwhelming. So we ask: “What can we do that will make a difference?”  Have you checked to see whether your MP is among those who have signed the letter asking our federal government to request an immediate ceasefire? Please check out this initiative and consider becoming involved.

If you have further questions please contact Murray or Dalton.

Mennonite Day of Action for a Ceasefire: Dec 19

On Dec 19., Mennonites across Canada and the US will hold demonstrations at their representatives offices to ask them to support a ceasefire. Over 200 Mennonites from 93 different congregations have already signed up to participate. Sign up now to get involved.

In summary, upcoming events

At Danforth

December
9  Men’s breakfast
10  Singing at SCOC
16  Messy Church
20  Longest Night service

January
7  2SLGBTQ+ survey deadline
12 2SLGBTQ+ survey results
14  2SLGBTQ+ Congregational meeting
16  Ladies walking group
17  AGM package reports due to Admin. Asst.

February
4  DMC AGM

Wider Church

December
9  CoSA Open House
9  Pax Christi Chorale  Christmas through the Ages
10  Menno Singers Messiah
19  Mennonite Day of Action for a Ceasefire

DANFORTH MENNONITE CHURCH
416-422-2406
Pastor Stephen Reist

We welcome all guests who have joined us.

Danforth Mennonite Church
December 10, 2023
Order of Service

Welcome

Land acknowledgment

Opening Hymn # 241 O Come All Ye Faithful

Call to Worship

Candle Lighting and Litany

Hymn# 222 My Soul Proclaims With Wonder

Announcements

Offering and Prayer

Hymn # 216 Lo How a Rose E’re Blooming

Congregational Prayer

Scripture: John 1: 6-8    19-28

Solo – Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence

Message: Who Is Worthy?

Christmas Song: Do You Hear What I Hear?

Benediction

Leading Us in Worship
Message                              John E.
Worship Leader              Erma M.
Song Leader                      Kathy W.
Scripture reading          Vic G.
Musicians                          Emily L. (piano), Ray W. (tuba)
Greeters                            Cindy R., Bethany W.
Zoom Host                       Bonnie W.
A/V Technician              Roger H.

December hymn of the month:  VT 216  Lo How a Rose E’er Blooming

Sunday mornings 10:00 a.m.

Dec. 10  Discussion – Visions of Jesus led by Ed
Dec. 17  Discussion – Visions of Jesus led by Ed
Dec. 24   The Virgin Birth

Call to worship

Leader:  Do not ignore this one fact, beloved, that with God one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like one day.

Ladies:  God is not slow, as some think of slowness,

Men:  but is patient with us,

People:  not wanting any to perish, but all to come to repentance.

Leader:  The word of our God will stand forever.

People:  How shall we live while we wait for salvation?

All:                      Together we wait.

Scripture reading

John 1:6-8, 19-28
6 There came a man sent from God. His name was John.
7 He came as a witness, to bear witness to the light, that all might believe through him.
8 He was not the light, he came to bear witness to the light.

19 And this is the witness of John when the Judeans from Jerusalem sent to him priests and Levites. They asked him, “Who are you?”
20 And John confessed, he did not deny it,
he confessed saying, “I am NOT the Christ.”
21 And they asked him, “What then? Are you Elijah?”  And he said, “I am not.”
“Are you the Prophet?”  And he answered, “No.”
22 Then they said to him, “Who then are you, that we may give an answer to those who sent us? What do you say about yourself?”
23 He said, “I am a voice of one crying in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way of the Lord!’ just as Isaiah the prophet had said.”
24 Now, these priests and Levites had been sent from the Pharisees.
25 And furthermore they asked him, “Why then are you baptizing if you are not the Christ? Nor Elijah? Nor the Prophet?”
26 John answered them saying, “I baptize in water, but among you stands One whom you do not know.
27 “He is the one who comes after me. I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandal.”
28 These things took place in Bethany on the east side of the Jordan, the place where John was baptizing.

Advent candle lighting/benediction

Leader:  We light a candle for peace.
Peace in our hearts,
peace in our homes,
peace in our world.
 People:  May the light of peace shine through our lives.

DANFORTH ANNOUNCEMENTS

Treasurer’s Report: In November we received $10,205 in offerings. This strong offering support along with our rental income has helped to eliminate our operating deficit and we now have a surplus of $378. Some additional expenses are expected in December, but with your help we hope to finish the year without a deficit.

Our Food Bank Designated Fund is always open and ongoing, and it received a $700 donation in November. These donations will be passed on to the Neighbourhood Group in support of the 40 Teesdale Food Bank. You can also contribute to the Nourish East End Food Bank through our Christmas Giving Tree project.  Please designate cash donations “Christmas Giving Tree” if you would like your donation directed to this project.
Thanks
Roger

Please submit your DMC expenses
to Roger by December 15, 2023.

We will be practicing our Christmas  choir song
(Still,Still.Still VT # 264).

There will be a choir practice on Sundays after church.  The practices will take place approximately 10 minutes after the service has ended and for about 10 minutes duration.

We can sing at various Christmas functions like Christmas Day church service, possibly carolling at St. Clair O’Connor.
There are of course no auditions.
All are most welcome.
See Kathy W. for more details.

Ladies Walking Group
See you in January

Our next Messy Church is
December 16^th.

A note from Doors Open Toronto

We are pleased to welcome Danforth Mennonite Church into Doors Open Toronto 2024, taking place May 25 & 26, 2024.

The theme for Doors Open 2024 is “Hidden Histories,” tracking the lesser known, forgotten, and overlooked aspects of our great city.

Christmas Music at SCOC  The newly formed Worship Committee at SCOC is asking folks at DMC (who are available) to circle the following date and to join our voices with residents for a service of Christmas Music.

Date:  Sunday Afternoon  Dec. 10  Please come to the Meeting Room at 6:15.  We will proceed from there to the 3rd floor and sing carols for the residents in Long Term Care, then return to the Meeting Room for a 7 pm service. Along with our voices, we are being asked to provide accompaniment for the singing (piano, along with other instruments that will add richness to the service.)
Dalton - on behalf of Outreach & Service

In the weeks leading up to Christmas we will be collecting items of clothing suitable for the season (hats, scarves, mitts, socks) and non-perishable food items. These will be dropped off for distribution to struggling families in the Taylor/Massey community and shared as well with the Food Bank program at our nearby Salvation Army.  $$ donations will be forwarded to Nourish East End Food Bank in support of their program.

Let us think about food and clothing scarcity and how we can help to make a difference.

The Christmas mitten tree is set up in the sanctuary.  Please hang up your mittens on the tree or drop off your donations in the bins.
Thank you for your generosity.

The tree is filling up but there’s still room for more mittens.

Worship Schedule reminder

December 17
Speaker                    Margaret A.
Worship leader   Linda D.
Song Leader          Sue S.
Musicians              Jessica M. (piano), Ray W. (tuba)
Greeters                 Cindy R., Bethany W.
ZOOM host           Bonnie W.
A/V Tech                 Murray L.

December 24
Speaker                     Stephen R.
Worship leader    Sue S.
Song Leader           Sue S.
Musicians                Kathy W. (piano), Ray W. (tuba)
Greeters                  Dalton & Carol J.
ZOOM host           Bonnie W.
A/V Tech                  Fazal S.

Longest Night Service

Wednesday, December 20, 7-8 pm
At Danforth Mennonite Church and on Zoom

All are welcome to this service on the longest night of the year.  Friends, this service is for you.  Bring your grief.  Bring your weariness.  Bring your fatigue and allow yourself a quiet space to reflect and draw near to God.

Mennonite Days of Action

When we watch the news updates from Gaza it can feel quite overwhelming. So we ask: “What can we do that will make a difference?”  Have you checked to see whether your MP is among those who have signed the letter asking our federal government to request an immediate ceasefire? Please check out this initiative and consider becoming involved.

If you have further questions please contact Murray or Dalton.

Mennonite Day of Action for a Ceasefire: Dec 19

On Dec 19., Mennonites across Canada and the US will hold demonstrations at their representatives offices to ask them to support a ceasefire. Over 200 Mennonites from 93 different congregations have already signed up to participate. Sign up now to get involved.

WIDER CHURCH ANNOUNCEMENTS

Carol O. welcomes you to
the CoSA/FCRI Open House
on Saturday, December 9
at Danforth Mennonite Church.
1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Sunday, December 10, 2023, 3pm. Menno Singers and Mennonite Mass Choir present Handel’s Messiah  with artistic director Brandon Leis, a 230 voice choir, soloists Bethany Hörst (soprano), Jennifer Enns Modolo (mezzo soprano), Owen McCausland (tenor) and Nathan Keoughan (baritone) along with orchestra members of the former KW Symphony. Tickets are on sale now at the Centre in the Square Box Office.     www.centreinthesquare.com

Pax Christi Chorale, under the direction of Dr. Elaine Choi, announces the following event to brighten your holiday season.

Saturday, December 9, at 4 pm, at ESG United Church, we will present Christmas Through the Ages; music and stories to evoke the wonder and joy of Christmas, from our family to yours. In collaboration with Hogtown Brass, we will perform favourites by Halley, Victoria, Lauridsen and others; culminating in John Rutter’s spectacular Gloria for choir, brass and organ. There will also be carols for all to sing.

More information at www.paxchristichorale.org.

In summary, upcoming events

At Danforth

December
9  Men’s breakfast
10  Singing at SCOC
16  Messy Church
20  Longest Night service

Wider Church

December
9  CoSA Open House
9  Pax Christi Chorale  Christmas through the Ages
10  Menno Singers Messiah
19  Mennonite Day of Action for a Ceasefire